Photo: Heather Watson - AFC Fylde Women
AFC Fylde Women return to league action on Sunday when they travel to Stockton-on-Tees to take on Middlesbrough FC Women.
This away fixture against the Teessiders takes place at the MAP Group UK Stadium on Sunday 1st September, with kick-off at 2.00 pm.
Last time out, the Coasters made a midweek trip to the Daisy Communications Arena in Nelson to meet Burnley FC Women in the FAWNL Cup Determining Round.
It proved to be a tough evening for the visitors as the free-scoring Clarets bagged five goals in the first half, before notching two more goals at the start of the second half to press home their advantage.
In difficult circumstances, the Coasters acquitted themselves well and battled on in the second period. In the end, Burnley claimed a 7-0 victory to advance to the next round of the FAWNL Cup, while Fylde dropped into the Plate competition.
The Coasters are looking to bounce back this weekend as they travel across to the North East to face Michael Mulhern’s Middlesbrough Women at the home ground of Stockton Town FC.
Boro Women have made a promising start to the new campaign, which began a fortnight ago with a home 1-0 win against Cheadle Town Stingers, followed by a credible 1-1 draw at Norton & Stockton Ancients last weekend.
And the Reds will be full of confidence after their 4-1 triumph over Durham Cestria in the FAWNL Cup last Wednesday evening. Mulhern’s side put in an impressive performance against their local rivals to advance to the next round of the competition.
The previous encounter between the Coasters and the Boro produced an absolute classic in the Women’s FA Cup Second Round Proper back in November 2022.
On that occasion, the two teams played out a thrilling contest at Kellamergh Park but could not be separated after 90 minutes. The tie was eventually decided in extra-time when the Coasters completed a dramatic turnaround to run out 5-4 winners.
As the two sides lock horns again this Sunday afternoon, the Coasters will be determined to come away from the North East with a positive result, but they know that they will have to be on top form if they are to achieve that objective.
Words by Scott Jones
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